Q&A with Columbine HS softball coach Jim Santaniello
LITTLETON, Colo. — We would like to congratulate the Columbine High School Softball team who are 2022 State Champions! We interviewed their head coach and social studies teacher at Columbine, Jim Santaniello, to learn more about what it is like to work with this successful group of athletes.
How long have you been coaching?
Jim Santaniello: I have been coaching softball at Columbine for 16 years and have been the head coach for the last six years.
What is your background in softball and other sports?
Santaniello: I played college baseball at Garden City Community College in Kansas and have coached baseball for 15 years.
What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?
Santaniello: We make sure to support each other at all times and we practice game situations with lots of intensity.
Please describe the most memorable meet/championships your team has won.
Santaniello: My most memorable moments were when we won the state championships in 2019 and in 2022.
How do you encourage the players before a game?
Santaniello: We have routines that all the players know and understand before a game. They also have the flexibility to work on specific areas of their game that they believe need extra attention.
Describe your proudest coaching moment.
Santaniello: My proudest coaching moment has not been the championships. It has been the many times that my players have shown great sportsmanship and care for their opponents.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?
Santaniello: That in coaching, and in life, you need mental toughness and have to remain calm in all situations.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
Santaniello: As someone who cared for his players.
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